Kinneret Grill 

Kinneret Grill has served Cincinnati since 2017 as an upscale kosher Mediterranean–American fusion steakhouse, carving out its niche with confidence and consistency. Dinner regulars already know the restaurant’s wide-ranging menu well, but on this visit, I came during the lunch hour. One of my favorite ways to gauge the quality of a kitchen is not by ordering its most elaborate dinner entrée, but by trying a simpler dishes. Basic food, after all, leaves nowhere to hide. If a restaurant can execute straightforward cuisine well, it usually says a great deal about what’s happening behind the scenes.

I had also noticed in reviews that many Kinneret diners rave about lunch, so my expectations were high. And at a time when the cost of dining out continues to climb, I was immediately impressed by how eminently reasonable the lunch prices were.

Before getting to the food, a word about the dining room. Quiet and charming, this intimate space features engaging Mediterranean décor and Middle Eastern photography in a simple, comfortable setting — ideal for a relaxed midday meal in the middle of a busy workday. The atmosphere felt homey and welcoming, and the service matched it perfectly. Owner and manager, Karen, took excellent care of us, making the entire experience both easy and enjoyable.

Once settled in, my wife and I ordered two classic kosher favorites: Chicken Shawarma in a laffa and Chicken Schnitzel on a brioche bun. We were not disappointed.

The Chicken Shawarma was authentic, well-seasoned and wonderfully light. The laffa complemented the chicken beautifully, creating a wrap that was flavorful without being heavy. Served with hummus, Israeli salad and tehina, the dish was as attractive as it was satisfying.

But there was another element worth noting — one that, to me, often signals a skilled kitchen. The shawarma was accompanied by basmati rice, subtly seasoned in a Middle Eastern style. Fragrant and distinct without overpowering the plate, it was a fantastic accompaniment. I may be biased — I’m a true lover of rice — but quality restaurants take even their simplest sides seriously, and Kinneret clearly does.

The Chicken Schnitzel was equally impressive and easily one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve had. Lightly coated in panko, the tender, unprocessed white meat chicken was cooked perfectly. A spicy, slightly sweet mustard dressing complemented it beautifully, and a generous portion of french fries rounded out the plate. It was a flavorful, satisfying lunch at a very fair price.

And just in case chicken is not always your first choice, Kinneret Grill offers a great burger, one of the few truly kosher burgers available in the area.

Let’s face it: lunch out often means either inflated costs or compromised flavor. And sometimes both. At Kinneret Grill, you get neither. I highly recommend it for a wonderful evening meal — but don’t overlook lunch, because Kinneret Grill is the kind of place where the last taste lingers long after it’s gone.